J/70 North American Championship at Rochester Yacht Club - Day 1

Three races were completed on the initial day of the J/70 North American Championship, hosted by Rochester Yacht Club in Rochester, New York.

Only one point separates Tim Healy and Brian Keane for the top position, with Healy holding the advantage 12 points to 13. Mauricio Santa Cruz stands in third place with 21 points. Healy tallied two thirds and a sixth, while Keane managed a 5,6,2. There are no throw-outs in the regatta.

Thursday dawned with winds between 6-8 knots, as Jenn and Ray Wulff began the regatta with a victory. Marco Teixidor and Healy completed the top three. With sunny skies and temperatures around 70 degrees, the breeze increased to 10-12 knots in the next contest when Brian Elliott grabbed the win, and Joel Ronning and Healy followed.

Santa Cruz ended the day successfully in the final bout, which saw winds build to 12-14. Keane trailed in second, and Ian Atkins in third.

Racing continues through Sunday for the 71 teams from Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Sweden and the United States. Photos are available on the J/70 Class Facebook page, and complete results may be found at www.j70nac.com.